Remember that

  The dates are piling up. I haven't set up my computer to give me reminders, an early warning system of impending dates marking significant events. This morning for instance I discovered it was an old friends birthday. I have to admit, the date escaped me. At the same time time I realized it was my grandsons' wedding anniversary, celebrating two years. I have a cousin that is also celebrating a birthday. There are far more days I should recall the older I am getting. That's what I mean about the dates piling up. It's a rather cruel twist of fate. The older you get the more you have to remember. God does have a sense of humor.

  Memorial day is fast approaching and I am reminded of that by all the sales advertised on television. Advertising informs us all of every holiday on the calendar. It would be hard to miss any of those. I'm old enough to remember when a holiday was celebrated on the actual day of the holiday. That changed back in 1971 to make things "uniform." Really we just wanted to ensure a three day weekend for the holiday. It didn't change the advertising much, just ensured we had a long weekend to buy something. So holidays I usually have no problem knowing about, it's those "personal" days that are becoming more difficult. 

  We all establish our personal days that may or may not coincide with others. What I mean there is, dates that have significance to us on a personal level. When we marry you had best remember that date! Guys are notorious for not remembering. Birthdays, other than our own and our children may prove to be challenging. The thing is, as we age we have to start adding in deaths as well. I find that a difficult date to remember as I don't like thinking of those folks as gone. I am surprised at times when I realize how long ago that happened. I wonder if I should be far more aware of that and if I'm not does that indicate something? Is remembering the date directly related to the personal importance of that date? That's the feeling I get when I forget and I feel bad about that. I should have remembered. 

  Generally speaking I think the ladies remember these dates far more often than the men do. Perhaps that is just a stereotype, an urban legend or something. I don't think women are more sentimental than men, I think they are expected to be however. Well, that's all a part of the marketing scheme in my eyes.  The men are supposed to be men, at least it was that way back in the twentieth century during my formative years. Society was different back then. We were expected to notice, and indeed recognize, the differences between men and women. There were expectations! Today I don't think that is as prevalent. Today all that just keeps me guessing. You can't be too certain of anything anymore. 

  When I was still in school and attending church on a regular basis I was aware of religious holidays. The big one I have no problem remembering; Christmas. Palm Sunday and Easter are more challenging as the date moves around on the calendar. Of course, advertising helps out there as well, with the Cadbury bunny making his appearance. I attended an Episcopal church and was aware of the changing liturgical seasons, advent, Christmas, epiphany, lent, easter and Pentecost. I don't recall there being any celebrations for that, just a mention from the Reverend that we would be celebrating Advent or whatever. Those dates I have no clue about today although I'm certain I could get reminders about that as well. 

  Dates are a challenge for me. It's funny because I also have a love of history and genealogy. Both of those require a good memory for dates. I can remember the event but the day it took place is often lost, or the decade for that matter. If I'm truthful sometimes the century! I have to look it up to be certain. That's true even with my family members birthdays. I know the month, the exact day however is another thing. I know when I was born, the date and year anyway. I don't expect to remember when I die. I figure I won't want to be reminded either. I've been here for 26,538 days and counting. I can't remember every date! If you want me to remember, advertise.